The US Department of Energy has a stated goal to increase the energy efficiency of turbines. A recognized method of achieving this is through the use of ceramic thermal barrier coatings (TBCs). State-of-the-art zirconia-based TBCs only have a temperature limit of about 1200 degrees Celsius (°C), but new TBC materials that can operate at elevated temperatures of 1300°C and above are needed to continue to push turbine operating temperatures higher and achieve the associated energy efficiency gains.

HiFunda LLC and the University of Connecticut will team to demonstrate an advanced TBC, consisting of a new top coat chemistry of yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG), that has lower thermal conductivity, higher use temperature, greater erosion resistance, and improved sintering resistance compared with the widely used yttria partially stabilized zirconia (YSZ) top coats.

Project Benefits

The novel TBCs developed through this program can be an enabling technology for highly efficient next-generation gas turbines. By partnering with leading US gas turbine equipment manufacturers, the proposed technology can be accelerated into the market with the result of reducing energy costs, helping maintain US leadership position in the global gas turbine market, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.